I have been baking for a long time, so have a lot of baking paraphernalia. Let me help you narrow down what’s most essential, and decide which items make great gifts! Plus a few ideas that are just plain FUN.
I tried to put each list in ascending order of price, to help those looking to stick to a budget. There should be something for everyone!
Essentials (great for the newbie!):
This list is for anyone you know who is just getting in to baking. It nails some of the most critical items for getting started.
- Piping tips (starter set, Wilton 1M, Wilton 4B, petal tip) – $3-$22
- Cookie dough scooper – $10
- Cake strips – $10-$24
- Reusable piping bags – $11
- Nesting measuring spoons – $13
- Cake scrapers – $13-$17
- Offset spatulas – $14
- Glass measuring cups – $15
- Zester – $16
- Silicone baking mats – $17
- Handy kitchen conversions chart (as a clipboard or poster) – $20-$30
- Silicone oven mitts – $20-30
- Nesting measuring cups – $30
- Quality Baking Pans – $30+
- Digital kitchen scale – $32
- Quality, metal turntable – $60
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer – $350-$499
Glass Measuring Cups 
Kitchen Conversions Poster 
Metal Turntable
For the baker who has everything:
This list covers a few items that bakers always need, so if your baker seems to have it all… help them stock up on something they are always using up, or get them a new flavour to sample!
- Quality chocolate – varies
- Pocky sticks (tip: get some unique flavours!) – $4
- Floral tape – $4-$12
- Biscoff spread – $5
- Cupcake liners – $5
- Disposable piping bags – $8
- Sprinkles (I find great blends at Michael’s and Sweetapolita) – $8-$30
- Colour Mill Food Colourings (you can use my code, STEPH10 for 10% off your order) – $8-$40
- Seasonal molds for cake and chocolates – $8-$40
- Flavourings (I love the variety from LorAnn Oils) – $10-$40
- Vanilla bean paste – $30
Colour Mill Food Colouring 
LorAnn Oils Variety Pack
For the budding food photographer:
If you notice the baker in your life is looking to improve their photography or social media game, these items may just help them along!
- Food photography props: this one thing can bust out into so many different categories… think milkshake glasses, vintage spoons, neutral linens, tall glasses, etc. – varies
- Cake stands (I get mine from Michael’s, Amalfi decor, Winners) – $10-$70
- Adobe Lightroom membership (see plans here) – $13/mo
- Ring light (not ideal for photography, but very helpful for filming videos!) – $18
- Backdrops (I really like mine from HQ backdrops, but you can also get them on Amazon) – $20-$45
- Extra camera batteries and external charger – $30-$45
- 128G SD card (it is a huge pain to run out of space while shooting – help your baker never have this problem!) – $30
- Flexible tripod – $50+
- Phone stand for overhead filming and photos – $80
- Artificial lighting setup (this one from Amazon is a good starter) – $130
- Camera: I recommend the Sony A6000 – $600
Milkshake Glasses – a fun foodie photo prop! 
Sony A6000
Just plain fun:
These items are cute, they’re funny, they can inspire your baker to try new things… Can’t really go wrong here!
- Cookie cutters – $2-$15
- New piping tips to try (Sultan tip, Russian piping tips, Christmas themed tips) – $4-12
- Donut socks – $13
- Hot chocolate bomb mold – $15
- “Dessert Alphabet” poster – $20
- Donut Pan – $20
- Sprinkle spatula set – $22
- Heart shaped cake pan – $23
- “Cake cake cake” kitchen towel – $25
- “Dessert alphabet” towel – $25
- “Caffeine and Cake” hoodie – $40
- “Cupcakes” apron – $40
- “Bake the World a Better Place” crewneck – $40
“Dessert Alphabet” poster 
“Bake the World a Better Place” crewneck
Last resort:
If you’re really stuck, not-sure-if-they-already-have-it, not-sure-if-they’ll-even-like-it, just get butter. Every baker always needs butter. And butter is wildly expensive. They will LOVE you for it.
Bonus: get this cute “I got you butter” card to go along with it.
Disclosure: Many of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you make a purchase. However, I only recommend items that I truly stand behind (because I use them in my own kitchen!). Any purchases you make via my links are much appreciated.